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Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your accreditation status?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Harding University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.

When was the first class admitted?

The inaugural class was seated in the fall of 2011.

How long is the DPT Program?

The program is a block curriculum program for three years which is comprised of eight consecutive semesters.

When can I apply?

You may apply when the application is posted on the web site for the beginning of a class year. You should be nearing the completion of your undergraduate degree with completion of most of the course prerequisites. If you lack some prerequisites, you may still apply. If you lack observation hours, you may still apply. If you haven't yet taken the GRE, you may still apply. However, it is important to note that if your application is incomplete, it may affect our ability to effectively evaluate your application packet.

What is the cost for the Program?

Tuition is charged as a flat rate per semester that remains the same throughout the academic year. The per semester (eight semesters) tuition is $11,493 plus a program fee of $600 per term. Each August the tuition costs may be adjusted by the University. Students will also be responsible for the technology and graduation fee. There will be additional costs of books, equipment, laptop, living expenses, and travel to clinical sites that are the students' responsibility.

Will I be required to interview before I will be admitted to the Program?

The program requires an on-site interview prior to admission to the program. All expenses related to travel for the interview are the student's responsibility.

What is the class size for the Program?

Thirty-eight (38) students will be accepted for admission into class entering the program each fall.

What about the Mission Experience?

The Mission Practicum is a required course experience and occurs in the third year of the curriculum between the fall and spring semesters. The Mission experience will be in Zambia, Africa.

Will I be required to find my own clinical sites or will the Program locate these for me?

The student is required set up one of the five of their clinical internships, and the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) will explain the procedure once the student begins the program. The student is allowed to set up more than one experience with the approval of the DCE.

Where will I complete my clinical experience?

The student is required to complete five 8-week clinical internships and the student must complete an acute care, orthopedic and adult neuro-rehab internship to successfully complete the program. The internships can be anywhere in the United States, but the student will be able to choose from a list of available sites.

What costs are associated with the clinical experience?

The student will be responsible for any housing and food costs during the time of their internships. In addition, the student will be required to meet the dress code of the site they are attending.

When do I need to take the GRE?

You can take the GRE at any time, but the sooner that you are able to take it, the better for the application process.

How much of an impact does the GRE score have on my application?

The impact that the GRE has on the application depends entirely on the strength of the applications we receive. Anyone with strong GRE score and strong grades will make for a strong application, thus greatly improving his/her chances of acceptance. The sooner that you can complete your application portfolio, the better for your status.

What is Harding's institution code for the GRE?

Harding's institution code is 6267. The departmental code is 0619. You need to use both the institution and departmental codes to ensure that your scores are received.

Can I substitute the MCAT or GMAT for the GRE?

No. Other measures of aptitude through testing may not be substituted for the GRE. The Graduate Record Examination General Test comprised of verbal, quantitative and analytical (writing) sections are required as part of the application process.

Are students allowed to work while in the Physical Therapy Program?

The Physical Therapy Program curriculum is rigorous, with a heavy study load. Successful completion will require the full attention of each student. Students are strongly discouraged from working while enrolled in the Program. No accommodations will be made in the didactic schedule or in clinical rotations for students who choose to work.

Can I apply before my prerequisites are complete?

Yes. If you are accepted into the Program before you complete the required coursework, your acceptance will be on provisional status until records of your coursework and/or graduation are received. No student will be allowed to matriculate into the Program if all prerequisite requirements are not met. Because of the various factors considered in selecting applicants, you are encouraged to complete the majority of prerequisites before applying.

Where should I obtain references?

It is recommended that applicants seek references from individuals who are well acquainted with them academically and/or professionally. A professional reference would be from persons who have supervised you in work or volunteer clinical experiences. Applicants should obtain references from both areas. The person writing the reference should be acquainted with the applicant for a significant period of time. A reference from a personal friend is usually not considered a good choice.

What is needed to remain in good academic standing to meet graduation requirements?

Each candidate for a Physical Therapy degree must secure credit in the approved courses of the Physical Therapy curriculum totaling 110 semester hours. In securing this credit students must maintain a cumulative and per semester GPA in all professional course work of at least 3.0. and no grades less than "C" in any given course. A student who fails to attain a 3.0 GPA in any academic semester will be placed on academic probation and notified in writing by the Program Director of this status.

Where can I find information about obtaining financial aid?

Financial aid may be available to most Harding students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, veterans' and other programs programs. These funds are administered wholly or in part by the Office of Financial Aid Services. Requests for information and assistance should be directed to:

Each student will need to complete a FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) to determine eligibility for loans. This can be done prior to acceptance into the program. Federal aid programs are available to qualified applicants. Federal financial aid will cover the entire cost associated with attendance in the Physical Therapy Program.

Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance from other sources (scholarships, grants, etc.) such as www.apta.org/CurrentStudents/ScholarshipsAwards. Information and application forms should be requested from clubs, organizations, foundations and agencies as soon as possible after applying for admission to the Program. Many libraries have resource information on other kinds of financial aid. Also, there are Internet sites that provide free scholarship searches (e.g. www.fastweb.com, www.wiredscholar.com and www.finaid.org).

An additional on-line resource is www.govbenefits.gov Use the drop down box on the right side of page, choose education/training and you will be taken to many different opportunities to review.